Features + The Weekly Edit

The Weekly Edit: Saying Goodbye

When Kyle moved into my townhome four years ago, his dog, Sophie, didn’t like me.  She would destroy my possessions.  She went to the bathroom in every room, but never outside.  She would bark and growl at me.  She was a challenge.

Kyle rescued Sophie from a bad situation and she was slow to trust.  So every morning while Kyle was in the shower, I would rub her belly.  It took an entire month of morning snuggles and belly rubs before she warmed up to me enough to stop fighting me.  By the end of the summer, we were inseparable.

And so it was every day, me and my Sophie, my little duckling.  Until last Wednesday, when after a diagnosis of congestive heart failure, she left us.

The death itself was sudden and, tragically, it was painful.  Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, but the devastation of losing Sophie is a chasm.

On one of those mornings, while I was rubbing her tiny belly, I promised Sophie that if she would trust me, I would never leave her.  I would love her always.  I would take care of her always.

I just thought always would last a bit longer.

Years ago, when I was an intern, I used to treat myself every Friday to a BLT from the Cannon Carryout.  Crispy, salty bacon.  White bread.  Just the right amount of mayo.  It was an affordable, guilty pleasure.

So when I spotted this Praline Bacon BLT from Joy the Baker, I had to add it to the menu.

The sandwich has candied bacon, spicy mayo, crispy vegetables, and buttery toasted bread.  The mix of flavors and textures is perfection.  It is the kind of sandwich dreams are made of.

I bought this Sloggi Zero Feel Bralette on a whim.  I was looking for a wire-free bra that had molded cups so I wouldn’t end up with a uni-boob.  And this bra does not disappoint.

For my smaller bust, this bra provides shape and support in complete comfort.  Unlike other seamless bras I’ve tried, the edges don’t roll and the straps don’t fall.  I love the bra so much that I’ve bought two more.

Obviously, I am not equipped to review the bra for those with larger busts.  However, Anthropologie has some reviews from ladies with larger busts who say the bra is quite comfortable.

Bridget Quinn is a family friend, so I’m proud to post about her most recent book, She Votes.  But even if we’d never met, her unique take on women’s suffrage would still be captivating.

As Bridget says, “This a true story, an adventure story.”  Filled with illustrations, vivid stories, and historical profiles like no other book I’ve ever read, this book is definitely worth your time. If you think you know the story of suffrage, this book will challenge and broaden your perspective.

Taking a daily vitamin has always been a challenge for me.  I get in a good groove, and then, one morning I forget, and before I know it, it’s been two months.  So when I saw these Mybite vitamins, I was intrigued.

A vitamin that tastes like a tiny bite of candy bar is right up my alley.  I like the Snickers-like flavor. There is also a Milky Way-like flavor.  They also have a flavor for those who like dark chocolate.

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LEAVE A COMMENT

    29 comments

  1. MOnica T says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, and while 4 happy years seems too short, they probably meant everything to Sophie. No matter how much we prepare ourselves for the inevitable, saying goodbye is the hardest thing of all.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  2. Meg says:

    Sorry for you loss. It doesn’t help take the pain of loss away, but just know that for the time you had her, she got to be a queen and you played an important role in what sounds like and amazing and happy lived.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  3. Amy Chen says:

    I’m so sorry about Sophie. You were so good to reassure her and Kyle must be a gem to rescue her originally.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  4. The Beagle has Landed says:

    So very sorry for your loss. It is so hard to say goodbye to them. We lost one exactly five months ago and the first few weeks after were very difficult. Take care of yourself as hard as you can.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  5. Meghan says:

    Sophie seemed like such a sweet, spunky lady (from getting to see/hear about her on your blog and social media). I’ll add my heartfelt condolences on your loss. The unconditional love we get from our furry family members leaves such a hole when they leave us.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  6. Eleanor says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. You packed a lot of love into her life, no matter how short a time it felt like.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  7. Sharon says:

    So very sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so difficult. Know that she loved you unconditionally and that you provided her with the same. Take good care of yourself

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  8. Victoria says:

    So sorry for the loss of your pup and my condolences.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  9. Mary a. says:

    I’m sorry for your loss. It’s pretty incredible how big a hole a little dog can leave when they’re gone.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  10. Crystal says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss of Sophie. Dogs are better than we deserve — I wish they could all live as long as we do.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  11. Roons says:

    So sorry for your loss … I hope you will find comfort in the happy memories and joy that you were able to bring to each other. The loss of family member is hard – sending a big hug your way.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  12. Lindsay says:

    I’m so sorry.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  13. Karen says:

    Thank you for letting us know about Sophie. I am SO very sorry to learn of her passing. She was a lucky girl, though. Lucky to have been rescued, lucky to have been so loved, lucky to have someone work on gaining her trust and to give her a good, happy life. Words don’t help, I know. Thank you for sharing stories of your time together.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  14. SG says:

    I’m so sorry about Sophie. HUGS – losing a pet is losing a part of the family 🙁

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  15. Amber says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope your happy memories of morning snuggles and belly rubs eventually give you some comfort. I’m sure your love and affection meant the world to Sophie!

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  16. Jenn S. says:

    What you shared about Sophie was poignant and sweet. I’m glad you and Kyle gave her a good life while she was here.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  17. Jessica says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, but I know that you (and Kyle) gave Sophie the absolute best life she could have had on earth.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  18. Lauren says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is, to me, one of the hardest things to go through. Our relationships with them are not complicated- it is just pure love. And that love will last forever.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  19. Colleen says:

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    August 13, 2020/Reply
  20. MM says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Abra.

    August 14, 2020/Reply
  21. Ruchita says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost a kitty a couple of years ago to heart failure. It’s so heartbreaking to lose a member of the family. Take care.

    August 14, 2020/Reply
  22. Em says:

    I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Sophie. I’ve lost dogs to congestive heart failure and it is heartbreaking. May her memory be a blessing and may you find joy in knowing how much you loved her.

    August 14, 2020/Reply
  23. Brett says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. There is so much love in that wag of the tail! Our dogs remind me of all that is good in the world–and all that is good in us. WIshing you peace.

    August 14, 2020/Reply
  24. Maria says:

    I am so sorry, Abra.Our pets are an integral, essential part of our family.We have rescued -and said goodbye- to many canine companions. Each loss is piercing, yet, my husband and I have never regretted our choices. We currently have four (we live in a small farm) and expect we will soon come across another perfect mis/match. Hugs to you and Kyle.

    August 16, 2020/Reply
  25. Amanda says:

    Sending you much love for Sophie. It hurts a lot xx

    August 17, 2020/Reply
  26. Erica says:

    I am so sorry for the loss of your Sophie. They are our little companions and they leave a big hole in our hearts when they go.

    August 17, 2020/Reply
  27. Keilexandra says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Abra 🙁

    August 17, 2020/Reply
  28. Ally says:

    We lost my boyfriend’s dog yesterday. He, like Sophie, came from a hard life (had something like 20 buckshots under his skin), and was very slow to trust humans and dogs. Slowly I was able to gain his trust, on his terms, and even better, he came to love my pup as well. We lost him yesterday, suddenly and unexpectedly. For some reason I remembered your story and had to come look for it and just to tell you how much your little corner of the internet means.

    December 22, 2020/Reply
    • Belle says:

      Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss. Dogs should live longer.

      December 23, 2020/Reply